System in Our Work by Stephen N. Haskell

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 10, 1910

System in Our Work

By Stephen N. Haskell

(First reading)

As this work increases, the necessity of carrying out a system is more and more apparent. One object of system is that there may be a uniformity of action, and thus the burden of labor be equalized in all parts of the field, and also that all parts of the field may bring their united strength to bear at the same time and in the same way. Our work is an aggressive one. It is to present the truth beyond our own limits. But to enter this work in a haphazard manner, without any definite object before us, or without any definite plan to accomplish that object, would be folly in the extreme.

The spread of this truth has been, and must ever be, largely by the scattering of publications, and therefore a system should be adopted whereby the influence of each individual may be felt in the advancement of this work. Where the church tract society organization is carried out, it answers this purpose well. Those of the least influence, as well as those of great influence, can unite their strength in such a manner as to tell most effectually against the powers of Satan.

The Reporting System

The reporting system will give life and interest to the tract and missionary meetings. If there is no labor reported, no experience related, it will be impossible to give proper instruction. In fact, the mentioning of commendable acts that result in good is following the example of Christ and the apostles. We should have had at least one book less in the New Testament had the “Acts of the Apostles” not been written. The New Testament would lose much of its beauty were its writings to consist only of doctrinal instruction.

No individual is exalted by thus magnifying the work of God, but God is honored, inasmuch as others are provoked to love and good works. By letting our light so shine, others, seeing our good works, are led to glorify our Father which is in heaven.

Filling Out the Report Blank

Each member of the church tract society should keep a record of the reading-matter distributed by him. This can easily be done in one of two ways: First, make an account of the number of publications you have on hand; then when you receive a package of tracts from the librarian, note its number also. Put it all down in a little pass-book. Then, when you are furnished with a blank to fill out, subtract the number you then have on hand from what you have received, and the number distributed will at once appear; and thus you can fill out the blank. Or, second, keep the pass-book with you, and note down the number as you distribute the tracts. Also keep the number of the REVIEW and Instructor [and other periodicals] distributed; and also all moneys you have paid to the librarian. We appeal to our brethren and sisters to fill out the blank reports, and return them to the church librarian.

There are many friends who have not seen the utility of reporting. They will scatter our publications, manifest an interest in the missionary work, donate freely to it, and would do nothing to retard the tract and missionary enterprise for their right hand; and yet these very individuals are really impeding the work by not reporting. Their influence would add very much to the upbuilding of the cause, could they see the utility of reporting.

A United Effort

A united effort is what gives strength to any system. We have financial strength, if it is brought into use, sufficient to warn the world. We have a system by which it can be done, if properly carried out. The reporting system that pertains to each individual must be regarded. Will not every individual member of the tract societies feel a responsibility in this matter? Still greater moves are before us, and it is necessary that we so educate ourselves that we can work together and in harmony, if we would secure the blessing of God that will bring success.

All Work Important

If, in the fear of God, we act faithfully our part, no matter how small and insignificant that work may appear to be, in the end it will prove that that very work was important; and by it we were upbuilding the cause of Christ. Do we say that we will rejoice in its prosperity, and, at the same time, refrain from putting forth the individual effort that is necessary for its accomplishment? If so, we shall meet with an irreparable loss.

Now is the time to secure to ourselves the applaudit, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” These are golden moments, lent to us for the accomplishment of a certain work. If they pass by without being faithfully improved, they are lost forever. If they have been rightly used, they will yield us a golden harvest throughout the eternal ages.

S. N. HASKELL.